Questions to Ask Yourself before Choosing a Career in the Medical Field

Sophie curates content for Gap Medics, the world’s leading provider of hospital work experience placements for school and university students.

Sophie curates content for Gap Medics, the world’s leading provider of hospital work experience placements for school and university students.

Working in the medical field may be a great career choice for many. Whether you choose to become a nurse, doctor or physician assistant, it can be both challenging and rewarding. But it also takes a certain kind of person to care for the sick, injured and dying. Before deciding on a career in the medical field, consider asking yourself some of the questions below.

Do you have a strong desire to help people? You may have several reasons for wanting to work in medicine and helping people should be on the list. Working in the medical field is not always easy. In fact, it can be tough physically and emotionally. But if you feel strongly about making a difference in a person’s life, it may be worth the effort.

Are you calm in stressful situations? Jobs that involve life and death are about as stressful as they come. Depending on what medical field you go into, you may be dealing with life-threatening situations. If you tend to freak out easily, you may want to reconsider a career in medicine. But if you are someone who remains calm under pressure, working in the medical field may suit you.

Do you work well with others? Patients are often cared for by a team of medical professionals including doctors, nurses and technicians. Medical workers need to be team players and work effectively with others. Be honest with yourself and determine if that is something you can do.

Are you a people person? Although there are some exceptions, medical workers are often around other people. For example, those who provide direct patient care may have to work with patients and their family members, as well as other medical workers. If you do not enjoy being around other people, you may find working in the medical field a big challenge. But if you have strong interpersonal skills and consider yourself a people person, you may be on the right track.

Are you compassionate? Medical workers of all types need to be compassionate. Patients deserve to be treated with a caring and empathetic manner. Compassion comes easier to some people than to others. Consider whether you are naturally a compassionate person.

Are you easily grossed out? Medicine can be festinating, but it can also involve blood, body fluids and other unpleasant sights and smells. If you feel light-headed at the sight of blood or squeamish easily, the medical field may not be the best fit. But if you have a stomach of steel, you may be prepared for what is ahead.

Can you see yourself happy to something else? Working in the medical field is not the easiest career choice. Depending on what you choose, it can take many years of schooling. The work can involve long hours and a demanding schedule. You may sometimes miss holidays with family and have to work weekends. But if you cannot imagine doing anything else, then a career in medicine is probably what you were meant to do.

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